Link detached- downsides??

Mlruirod

Hi,

We have found a house we like and an offer has been accepted. It's an old link-detached house but it has been well looked after and has had some work done- kitchen extension and renovation, conservatory (15'5" x 10) and over garage and kitchen extension adding  an extra bathroom and a room, as well as both bathrooms being renovated. This house also have a good size south-west facing garden which is important to me. The only thing I'm not sure about is that it's a link-detached house (garage-garage. See photo below)
This is not something that bothered me first as I liked the house, however, after a few days I saw another property being advertised in the same area. This other property has the exactly same structure but has not have any extensions done, no renovations, it has a small upvc conservatory and a smaller garden. However it is detached and was advertised 30k cheaper. 

We are fist time buyers and having some anxiety as this is our biggest purchase yet so I'm not sure whether I'm just overthinking this or maybe going for a link-detached is not a great idea.

Could anyone give us any reassurance  on the house we put an offer for after reading the comparasions or any advice on link-detached houses? 

Thank you very much
ML

MFWannabe

I would say the property you’ve had offer accepted on is pretty much detached? Its only the garages that are joined
You obviously fell in love with it and with the amount of work you describe its had that’s probably more than 30k worth? 
It’s more detached than some you see advertised as being so 

jackieblack

I think you’re overthinking it 

DayDreamerandGeneralWaster

That looks like it was detached until the extension was built or the neighbours built a garage, joining the boundary. If the other property doesn't have the extension etc and is only £30k cheaper sounds like you have found a good property. 

Emmia

Agree with this - if its the garages that are joined then you shouldn't get noise issues in the main house - plus all the extensions being done/paid for is worth more than £30k (the house presumaby has more interior space than the unextended version?).

RelievedSheff

I agree with the others that you are over thinking things. That link detached is as good as detached as there is only the garages adjoining. 

Now if next door decided to do the over garage extension that is when you would run into problems.

Splatfoot

I'd be worried the neighbours would build on top of their garage too then you would look/be semi detached. But that might be just me because I hate sharing anything. 😊

ss2020jd

As everyone has mentioned it sounds like with the extension, renovations, and the garden you have found a good house. 

Saying that, it would be worth being aware of any potential  planning for next door to extend in the same way. 

Your solicitor would check this but you can do a preliminary check yourself online. 

It goes without saying to check if there are any disputes with the neighbours.  Also, bear in mind if you will be parking outside your garage it looks like you will be quite close to next door’s car and it could feel similar to a shared drive as there is no physical  division there (eg. Hedge, fence etc). 

I know this is nit-picking and hopefully none of these things will be an issue but always worth checking in advance. 

Scotbot

RelievedSheff said:

I agree with the others that you are over thinking things. That link detached is as good as detached as there is only the garages adjoining. 

Now if next door decided to do the over garage extension that is when you would run into problems.

Yes that is the obvious issue , neighbours building over their garage.  Either you will have  a semi or a very snall gap which could cause issues. Planning laws keep changing so I wouldn't rely on being able to prevent it

AdrianC

Scotbot said:

RelievedSheff said:

I agree with the others that you are over thinking things. That link detached is as good as detached as there is only the garages adjoining. 

Now if next door decided to do the over garage extension that is when you would run into problems.

Yes that is the obvious issue , neighbours building over their garage.  Either you will have  a semi or a very snall gap which could cause issues. Planning laws keep changing so I wouldn't rely on being able to prevent it

But, of course, that would apply even if the garage was not currently attached - a two-story extension could be proposed.

The issue here is more one of being built up to the plot edge, than being currently linked.

Alan2020

Highly doubt this two storey extension was built with planning permission, I doubt any council in England would allow this - typically 1m gap and setback will be needed.
Maybe did ages ago but check the paperwork and also check if gutters overhang the neighbour